AW609 Seemed Well On The Way To Certification

It has been reported from a number of sources that one of AgustaWestland’s AW609 prototypes crashed on Friday resulting in the death of its two pilots and a complete loss of the aircraft.

The AW609 is intended to be a civilian Tiltrotor aircraft based, somewhat, on the same principles as the Boeing Osprey V-22. The AW609 is a much smaller aircraft intended for corporate travel that combines the need for vertical lift and a higher cruise speed than is offered by a conventional helicopter.

AgustaWestland issued the following statement, "Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland confirms the loss of one prototype AW609 tiltrotor and the tragic loss of two pilots. The Company’s deepest sympathies are with the families. Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland is working with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the accident."

The aircraft was on display at the Heli-Expo 2015 held in Orlando, Florida earlier this year. One prototype for the aircraft was being tested in Italy and a second prototype was based in Arlington, Texas. ANN reported in September that the aircraft had achieved a significant amount of flight test time and had recently claimed a speed record over a point to point 1000 kilometer course in 2 hours and 18 minutes.

We’ll keep you posted when we receive updates.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com